

PLANTSTRONG Podcast
Rip Esselstyn
People become curious about whole food, plant-based nutrition for a multitude of reasons. Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, or another chronic disease and you know (or you’ve been told) that this is your best shot at healing your body. You may be an athlete looking to maximize your performance and recovery with the power of plant-based nutrition, or you’re a parent who wants to escape the processed food aisle and start feeding your children real, nourishing foods. Perhaps you are concerned about climate change and the profound negative impact that animal agriculture has on the planet.
The problem? A whole food, plant-based diet can seem overwhelming, confusing, and, yes, expensive. You’ve been told it will make you deficient in something, or that you won’t get enough protein. You think it might be a boring way to live, or that it is so extreme you’ll alienate yourself from friends and loved ones.
Well, here at the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, we’re not afraid to be extreme - extremely positive, extremely helpful, and extremely well-researched. Each week on the show, host Rip Esselstyn talks to medical experts, authors, athletes, and people just like you who are not just surviving on a plant-based diet, but THRIVING.
As founder and CEO of PLANTSTRONG, Rip Esselstyn is a wellness advocate, former professional athlete, firefighter, and NY Times best-selling author renowned for his dedication to promoting vibrant health through plant-based nutrition and active living.
Over twenty years ago, Rip rescued several of his fellow firefighters with whole, plant-based foods following the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. The results were so dramatic that Rip wrote the bestselling book,The Engine 2 Diet, to spread the word. His subsequent works, including Plant-Strong, The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet and The Engine 2 Cookbook, further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the plant-based movement. Rip was also featured in the documentary Forks over Knives and served as an executive producer of The Game Changers film; a revolutionary documentary that shatters the myths about meat, protein, and strength.
Rip’s mission and the mission of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast is to make plant-based living accessible and approachable, and to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement. We share the scientifically proven benefits of plant-based living and envision a world that universally understands, promotes, and prescribes plants as the solution to empowering your health, enhancing your performance, and restoring the environment.
You won’t be weak if you’re eating strong food. PLANTSTRONG food.
We welcome you wherever you are on your plant-based journey and we’re thrilled you’re here.
The problem? A whole food, plant-based diet can seem overwhelming, confusing, and, yes, expensive. You’ve been told it will make you deficient in something, or that you won’t get enough protein. You think it might be a boring way to live, or that it is so extreme you’ll alienate yourself from friends and loved ones.
Well, here at the PLANTSTRONG Podcast, we’re not afraid to be extreme - extremely positive, extremely helpful, and extremely well-researched. Each week on the show, host Rip Esselstyn talks to medical experts, authors, athletes, and people just like you who are not just surviving on a plant-based diet, but THRIVING.
As founder and CEO of PLANTSTRONG, Rip Esselstyn is a wellness advocate, former professional athlete, firefighter, and NY Times best-selling author renowned for his dedication to promoting vibrant health through plant-based nutrition and active living.
Over twenty years ago, Rip rescued several of his fellow firefighters with whole, plant-based foods following the groundbreaking research of his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. The results were so dramatic that Rip wrote the bestselling book,The Engine 2 Diet, to spread the word. His subsequent works, including Plant-Strong, The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet and The Engine 2 Cookbook, further solidified his reputation as a leading voice in the plant-based movement. Rip was also featured in the documentary Forks over Knives and served as an executive producer of The Game Changers film; a revolutionary documentary that shatters the myths about meat, protein, and strength.
Rip’s mission and the mission of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast is to make plant-based living accessible and approachable, and to further the advancement of all things within the plant-based movement. We share the scientifically proven benefits of plant-based living and envision a world that universally understands, promotes, and prescribes plants as the solution to empowering your health, enhancing your performance, and restoring the environment.
You won’t be weak if you’re eating strong food. PLANTSTRONG food.
We welcome you wherever you are on your plant-based journey and we’re thrilled you’re here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ep. 296: Dominick Thompson - Eat What Elephants Eat for a Strong Body and Gentle Spirit
What if your plate could tell the story of your past—and shape your future? Author and plant-based advocate, Dominick Thompson, returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Eat What Elephants Eat and explore his deeply personal journey of change. Growing up on Chicago's West Side, Thompson became involved in the drug trade, leading to his imprisonment in his early 20s. It was in prison that he resolved to adopt a lifestyle that caused no harm to other beings. His mantra? “If it requires harm, then nahhh.” His book, Eat What Elephants Eat, intertwines his personal story with practical guidance on how you can also adopt a plant-based lifestyle, featuring eighty simple vegan recipes and meal plans. He also discusses the deeper meaning of food as a bridge to identity and community.Why elephants, you may ask? Well as you get to know Dom, you’ll understand why the elephant is his “spirit animal,” of sorts. It’s big, powerful, and yet gentle and mysterious. It’s also the largest land animal that eats plants. (And no one will ever accuse an elephant of being weak.)This isn’t just a recipe book, but a manifesto of sorts on how to live a life that is truly connected to your values.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep. 295: Dr. Laurie Marbas and Brittany Jaroudi - Plant-Based 101: Your Guide to Mastering a Plant-Based Diet
Dr. Laurie Marbas is a board-certified physician passionate about plant-based nutrition, and Brittany Jaroudi is a chef and plant-based influencer who reversed her chronic diseases. They share practical tips on meal planning, grocery shopping, and transforming family dynamics. Discover the importance of identifying your 'why' for going plant-based, balancing raw and cooked foods for nutrition, and managing social challenges. Experience their humorous take on personal journeys, recipes, and tools to make a sustainable plant-based lifestyle enjoyable and achievable.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 38min
Ep. 294: Victoria Moran - Age Like a Yogi and Embrace Your Third Act
What if aging wasn’t something to fear, but a journey to embrace? In this inspiring episode, best-selling author and wellness advocate, Victoria Moran, shares her wisdom on aging with grace, purpose, and joy. Drawing from her new book, Age Like a Yogi, she explores how plant-based living, yoga, and mindfulness can transform aging into a spiritual evolution, including:How to shift your mindset around agingThe connection between plant-based living, yoga, and longevityCultivating joy and fulfillment at every stage of lifeVictoria redefines what it means to grow older, proving that every stage of life holds new opportunities for fulfillment. Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube

Mar 20, 2025 • 56min
Ep. 293: Keith Jeffrey - A "Broc & Roll" Star from the Band, Atlas Genius
Ready to travel down under for some plant-powered rock? Today, we introduce you to Keith Jeffrey and his band, Atlas Genius!Not only do they create incredible music, but they also embrace a plant-based lifestyle while touring the world. In this episode, we dive into:Why three Aussie brothers ditched meat for veganismTheir favorite plant-based eats on the roadHow their lifestyle influences their music & ethicsThe world needs more broc and rock stars like Keith Jeffrey who aren't afraid to amplify their ethics and their music. It’s a conversation about passion, purpose, and making choices that align with who you are.(Plus, stick around till the end—we’re playing one of my favorite Atlas Genius tracks!)Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 13min
Ep. 292: Dusty and Erin Stanczyk -Eat, Move, Rest: The Blueprint for a Happy, Healthy, Plant-Based Family
Meet Erin and Dusty Stanczyk—a Nebraska couple who transformed their health and family life by embracing a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. After struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, and acid reflux, they found inspiration from Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. and never looked back.Now, at 38, they’re raising three plant-strong kids and sharing their journey on Eat Move Rest and in their new book, The Happy Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook. In this episode, they reveal three key pillars to thriving as a plant-based family and recipes from their colorful plant-based cookbook. Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h
Ep. 291: Don Fries and Bev Bow - Rediscover Your Joy of Living with the Healthy World Vitality Plan
Imagine a world thriving on health and vitality through whole food, plant-based living. That’s the vision Don Fries and Bev Bow are turning into reality—and you’re invited to be part of it! Their non-profit, Healthy World Vitality Plan, offers education, cooking classes, and small-group support sessions to help you rediscover the joy of living - all for just $40/year!Take control of your health, make meaningful connections, and join a movement dedicated to compassion for all living beings! Their Spring Intensive starts March 9th, 2025. To learn more and sign up visit: hwvitality.com Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrong.com/pages/events Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyTake the Free 7-Day Challenge: https://liveplantstrong.com/free-7-day-challenge/ Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Feb 27, 2025 • 57min
Ep. 290: Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. - The Proof Is In The Plants! Real Stories of Heart Disease Reversal
Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. is a trailblazer in heart health and director at the Cleveland Clinic's cardiovascular program. He shares inspiring stories of patients who have reversed heart disease through a whole-food, plant-based diet. The discussion highlights the critical role of nutrition in transforming heart health, critiques traditional medical approaches, and covers the link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular issues. Dr. Esselstyn emphasizes the harmful effects of oil on heart health, making a compelling case for dietary change.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 34min
Ep. 289: Joel Kahn, MD - Test, Don't Guess When It Comes to Your Heart Health
Dr. Joel Kahn, a cardiologist and advocate for plant-based nutrition, discusses the alarming statistics surrounding heart disease and the need for proactive screenings. He emphasizes the power of a whole food, plant-based diet in reversing heart disease and shares his personal journey with nutrition. Dr. Kahn also highlights watercress as a nutritional powerhouse, the importance of coronary artery calcium scans, and offers insights into heart health for menopausal women. This lively conversation is packed with practical tips to improve cardiovascular well-being.

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 35min
Ep. 288: Dr. Columbus Batiste - It's Time for a SELFISH Health Revolution!
Dr. Columbus Batiste, an interventional cardiologist and author, advocates for prioritizing self-care in his insightful conversation. He introduces the seven pillars of heart health, emphasizing the importance of spirituality, nutrition, and love. Stress's detrimental impact on health and the link between emotional well-being and cardiovascular issues are explored. Batiste shares personal anecdotes about his father's battle with diabetes, illustrating the importance of nutrition and lifestyle medicine. He encourages listeners to embrace self-care, laughter, and community support for overall wellness.

6 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep. 287: Robert Ostfeld, MD - Can Plant-Based Diets Boost Heart Health and Your Bedroom Performance?
Dr. Robert Ostfeld, a non-invasive cardiologist and founder of Preventive Cardiology at Montefiore, dives into the transformative power of plant-based diets on heart health and even erectile function. He discusses groundbreaking studies comparing plant-based and animal-based diets, emphasizing how lifestyle changes can significantly impact cardiovascular health. Listeners also learn about cholesterol management, the role of lipoprotein(a), and innovative dietary programs aiming to empower patients and educate healthcare providers. It's a heart-healthy conversation that encourages dietary transformation!


